Clair was born on June 28, 1925 in the small town of Blackfoot, Idaho. He attended public schools there, through high school, where he excelled in academics, football, basketball, and track.
In the spring of 1942, Clair was appointed a representative of the American Legion Post in Blackfoot, to represent the Legion at the Annual Boy’s State Conference in Pocatello, Idaho. After a vigorous campaign, Clair was elected Governor of Boy’s State. He presided over the Boy’s State activities and proposed legislation that was adopted concerning Idaho boys joining the armed forces during World War II.
Later that spring, Clair joined the U.S. Navy and was assigned to a Combat Communications Team as a radio operator. He participated in the invasion in Guam and later received the Bronze Star Medal for Bravery in action under enemy fire for aiding wounded soldiers. He was honorably discharged from the Navy in March of 1946.
Later that year, Clair met, and shortly thereafter married, Betty Joyce Bowns on September 28, 1946.
In 1948, Clair enrolled as a student at the Great Falls College of Education in Great Falls, Montana. In the fall of 1950 he earned a Bachelor’s Degree of Political Science. Later that year, Clair enrolled in Law School at the University of Utah, where he graduated with a J.D. in 1953. He became a member of the Utah Bar and was authorized to practice in front of the Judges of the 10th Judicial Circuit.
In 1959, Clair joined a firm in Dallas, Texas, and later was promoted to Chief Operating Officer. The company was involved in diverse business pursuits including real estate development, banking, pet food manufacturing, apparel manufacturing, and exploration and production of gas and oil.
In 1968, Clair moved to Palm Beach County, Florida, and was associated with John D. McArthur in many of his real estate acquisitions and adventures.
In 1972, he resigned from Mr. McArthur’s employ, and formed his own development company, Eastpointe Development Corporation. This company then proceeded to buy 10 acres on Singer Island, and constructed two high-rise condominiums. During this same period, Eastpointe Development Corporation purchased approximately 700 acres in Northern Palm Beach County and developed an 18-hole championship golf course and country club.
In 1978, Clair sold his interests in Eastpointe Development Corporation and for the rest of his business career he was involved in the construction of single-family residences.
Clair is survived by his family, all of Palm Beach County, FL: his wife Betty, of 66 years, his son Timothy (Deborah) Andersen, his sister in-law, Carol Ann Bowns, three grandchildren, Brandon (Mari) Andersen, Loryn (Pedro) Lenartowicz, and Jason (Kristle) Andersen, and three great-grandchildren, Mark, Kaleb and Baylee. He is also survived by three of his sisters, Kleta Miller, LaRue Price, and Evelyn Willmore.
A visitation for family and friends will be held at Aycock Funeral Home, 1112 Military Trail, Jupiter, FL, at 6:00 – 8:00 pm on May 29, 2013. A memorial service will be held at The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints, 6400 Roebuck Road, Jupiter FL, at 9:30 am on May 30, 2013. Burial will follow at Riverside Memorial Park, 19351 SE County Line Road, Tequesta, FL.
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